Weeks before the new academic year, the San Francisco Archdiocese abruptly closed St. Brigid School, a 138-year-old institution, citing financial unsustainability and critically low enrollment, a move that left families scrambling.

The sudden closure of St. Brigid School has raised questions about the Archdiocese's transparency, particularly as it occurred just days before the announcement of a massive $395 million clergy abuse settlement. While the Archdiocese denies any connection, the lack of public financial documentation supporting their claims of dwindling enrollment and fiscal distress leaves many unconvinced.

The San Francisco Archdiocese delivered a shock to dozens of families and educators late last month with the unexpected closure of St. Brigid School, a venerable institution in the city since its founding 138 years ago. The announcement, conveyed via a letter to parents from Superintendent of Catholic Schools Chris Fisher, cited critically low enrollment and financial unsustainability as the primary reasons. Projected enrollment for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year was reportedly in the mid-20s, a stark drop from just over 40 students in the previous year.

The timing of the closure, which came just weeks before the fall semester was set to begin, caused significant disruption for families who had already paid tuition deposits. These deposits, totaling $20,950 per student, were promised to be refunded later in the summer, adding to the uncertainty.

Adding to the controversy, the closure announcement closely preceded the Archdiocese's public declaration of a substantial $395 million settlement for clergy abuse claims. Peter Marlow, Executive Director of Communications for the Archdiocese, vehemently denied any link between the two events, asserting the school's closure was "strictly related to its enrollment woes." Marlow stated, "The two events are unrelated. No archdiocesan school or parish is being closed to fund the proposed settlement."

However, the Archdiocese has provided no public financial disclosures, budgetary documents, or audits to substantiate its claims of financial hardship at St. Brigid. This lack of transparency has fueled skepticism among some stakeholders, especially given that the Archdiocese had publicly celebrated the opening of St. Brigid Academy (as it was then known) just two years prior, in June 2024, hailing it as Northern California's first Catholic micro school for students with learning differences. At its opening, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone himself expressed immense pride, stating, "We are starting something very positive here, something that is very needed. I couldn't be prouder of you and more grateful."

Despite the Archdiocese's assurances, parents like Lauren Koch expressed profound dismay and practical difficulties, noting the challenge of finding new schools so close to the academic year. "We have no idea what to do now. It's not easy to just up and leave to fly across the country to look for new schools when application season is over," Koch told Hoodline. The suddenness of the decision and the short notice have left many questioning the Archdiocese's stated alternatives and its commitment to the school's mission.